Results 8,621-8,640 of 11,242 for speaker:Noel Dempsey

Written Answers — Integrated Ticketing System: Integrated Ticketing System (1 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is being introduced on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: The Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 was initiated in this House on 9 June and we had a very good discussion on it. All Stages were passed here, with some amendments, on 16 June. It subsequently passed all Stages in Dáil Éireann last night, with two further amendments. These amendments arose from similar amendments that were tabled on Seanad Report Stage by Labour Party Senators and...

Seanad: Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages (1 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Before dealing with group 2, I thank Senators for their positive comments. When bringing forward legislation, in particular complicated legislation that requires significant attention, I try to bring it to the Seanad first, because of my positive experience with one of the longest pieces of legislation outside of a Finance Bill, namely, the Planning and Development Act 2000. The...

Written Answers — Regional Airports: Regional Airports (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Under this scheme which was introduced in 2006, regional airports may be considered for annual subvention in respect of operating costs incurred in providing core airport services, to the extent that these cannot be met by prudent commercial management and by any surpluses available from other sources such as carparking charges and catering. Applications in respect of 2009 are currently being...

Written Answers — Human Rights Issues: Human Rights Issues (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I can advise the Deputy that I have received a copy of the report. It has also been circulated to my colleagues on the Cabinet Committee on Aspects of International Human Rights. The Committee has met at official level and work on the issues within the remit of the Committee is being taken forward by the relevant Departments. Further Ministerial level meetings are also envisaged where...

Written Answers — Fisheries Protection: Fisheries Protection (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: My Department is responsible for the implementation of EU and International security requirements at all ports including fisheries harbours. However, there is no specific prescriptive requirement for the installation of security cameras under legislation administered by my Department. Such installations would be an operational matter for the port and harbours themselves. The principal fishing...

Written Answers — Road Safety: Road Safety (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and I have no plans to change either the Order or the Road Safety Authority Act. At present the National Car Test (NCT) becomes a requirement for cars four years after first registration. This is in line with the minimum requirements of...

Written Answers — Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission: Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I have not yet received the Report in question. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on this matter until the Report has been received and examined.

Written Answers — Driving Tests: Driving Tests (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Written Answers — Employment Rights: Employment Rights (2 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: This is an operational matter for the company concerned and it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: On Committee Stage, I indicated that I would consider tabled amendments, the appointment of local authority directors and, in some way, facilitating a nomination-----

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I will still consider the proposal. It does not require an amendment on Report Stage. It is an administrative matter.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I did not promise amendments.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I oppose the motion.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I am happy that the Deputy is withdrawing the amendment.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I did reflect further on the issues raised and the appropriateness of using the term "public interest" but on reflection decided not to use it. I thank the Deputy for offering to withdraw the amendment. I assure him that the public interest is part of the existing legislation, this Bill and the ministerial consent process contained in this and other Bills.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I move amendment No. 7: In page 8, line 41, to delete "and". These are technical drafting amendments to correct an imperfection in the original Bill by deleting the word "and" on page 8 and inserting it between lines 6 and 7 on page 9. This does not alter the content or substance of the section as originally proposed but merely corrects an error identified during the proofreading process.

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I move amendment No. 8: In page 9, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: "and".

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: I thank the Deputies for their comments in respect of these amendments. Long discussions on the matter to which they relate took place both in the Seanad and at the Select Committee on Transport. What we are doing is establishing a commercial approach, as outlined in the ports policy statement, in respect of our ports and harbours. Essentially, we are adopting a model which is different...

Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Report and Final Stages (7 Jul 2009)

Noel Dempsey: On Deputy Deenihan's point, it is Government policy that at least 40% of any board should be male or female and this will govern the decisions in this regard. It is true that such a stipulation has appeared in legislation and I cannot honestly answer as to the reason it is not included in this Bill. It is included in some items of legislation but not in others. I always have been a strong...